Warren Gatland has secured a second shot at leading the Lions into battle because he is seen by kingmakers as the saviour of the brand.

We can reveal Scotland coach Vern Cotter emerged as a late challenger for the most prestigious position in British and Irish rugby, with both New Zealanders going through to the interview process.

But while former Clermont Auvergne boss Cotter impressed the selection panel, Gatland was always the firm favourite to be put in charge of the hardest mission in world rugby – beating the All Blacks – after plotting the conquest of Australia three years ago.

That was the first Test series triumph by the Lions since defeating South Africa 16 years earlier and came at a time when there was a real danger the lack of success was threatening the very existence of the tourists.

The 2-1 triumph over Australia changed all that and earned Gatland a place in Lions coaching history, putting him in illustrious company alongside Carwyn James, Syd Millar and Sir Ian McGeechan.

A prominent Lions source told Walesonline: “Beating the Wallabies was vital to the future of the brand and has safeguarded it for the foreseeable future.

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“If the Lions had failed in Australia they would have lost four Test series’ in a row and there was a danger public interest in them would wane, which could well have led to their demise.

“But Warren ensured that isn’t the case with huge public and media interest in next year’s tour of New Zealand and the Four Home Unions, who pick the coach of the Lions, remain eternally grateful to him.”

Those comments were backed up by another influential source, who also pointed out: “The Lions came close to success during an epic Test series in South Africa in 2009 and Gatland was at the heart of that coaching team with McGeechan.

“Gatland is highly-regarded in Lions circles for his expertise, knowing what is required to be a Lion and experience in quickly moulding a team from four countries.

“He also possesses he courage to make big calls despite the controversy he knew they would cause, like leaving Brian O’Driscoll out of the deciding Test with Australia in 2013.

“The Lions have considered all those who have put their hat into the ring to be next year’s coach but not appointing the man who presided over a successful last tour and knows New Zealand rugby inside out would be a high-risk and controversial strategy.

Warren Gatland does a media session on the 2013 Lions tour of Australia

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“Close attention was paid to Wales’ recent tour of New Zealand by the Lions committee and the feeling is – and it’s been validated by the All Blacks’ crushing 42-8 victory over World Cup runners-up Australia in Sydney last weekend – they were extremely competitive in the opening two Tests.”

Gatland’s path to the role has been made easier by Eddie Jones, who has guided England to a Six Nations Grand Slam and an historic 3-0 whitewash of Australia since taking over following their World Cup flop, declining to enter the race and Ireland’s Joe Schmidt considering heading home to New Zealand at the end of next season.

WalesOnline understands there were doubts over whether Schmidt, while boasting a good record with the Irish, would be able to handle the added and intense pressure of a Lions tour.

Gatland is expected to be officially unveiled as Lions’ coach in Edinburgh on September 7. The announcement is being held in the Scottish capital at the behest of jersey sponsors Standard Life Investments.

He will be charged with attempting to mastermind what would be only the second Test series success in New Zealand, Welsh and Llanelli legend Carwyn James having plotted the legendary 1971 triumph of Barry John, Gareth Edwards, John Dawes, Mervyn and Gerald Davies, Mike Gibson and company.

Scotland head coach Vern Cotter was also interviewed (Image: PA Wire)

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Apart from that series, the Lions have a dismal record against New Zealand, winning just six of their 38 Tests and being humiliated by the likes of Richie McCaw and Dan Carter during a 3-0 ‘All Blackwash’ when Sir Clive Woodward’s men visited the country in 2005.

Next year’s schedule promises to be the most daunting in Lions history with matches against all five of the back-to-back World Cup holders’ soaring Super Rugby franchises, including new champions Hurricanes and New Zealand Maori, who beat the 2005 Lions in Gatland’s home city of Hamilton.

On paper, only the tour opener, against a Provincial Union XV in Whangarei, looks like a banker for the Lions.

The Welsh Rugby Union has said it will not stand in the way of Gatland being appointed and is prepared to give him a sabbatical prior to the tour, as was the case in the build-up to the 2013 crusade.

Gatland’s coaching lieutenant Rob Howley is again expected to take temporary charge of the Wales team.